"Alcoholism and Drug Addiction"

Comment....A few years ago after I retired from the State and Federal Government  I worked in a Alcohol Rehabilitation unit and as a result, today some of my best friends are clean and sober alcoholics and drug addicts. My good friend Jason explained it like this, when I asked him if there really was a cure for this disease?

Jason explained ...."You know you are addicted when you say to someone you can control your drinking and drug use. Some actually feel that they can cure themselves by not drinking or using drugs for short periods of time. Let me make this clear. If you are alcoholic, there is no cure. Alcoholism is a disease of progression. In other words, it is not a cure to stop drinking for short periods of time. When you drink again and you will, it will usually get worse not better. The desperately sick and addicted as a last resort will spend any amount of money to relieve themselves of the desire and compulsion to drink. Alcohol will control your life. Alcoholism is disease like no other. It is a disease that tells you are not sick and that its OK to drink or use drugs again after you quit for a short period of time. Believe me, its not. Total abstinence for the rest of your life one day at a time is the only way to stop the craving and desire to drink or use drugs.  Did you ever quit smoking only later to smoke one cigarette and find yourself smoking like before you quit only more. Smoking is another addiction that is very hard to stop....Well, it’s the same with drinking or using drugs. Usually young people start drinking because of peer pressure. After a while it becomes the thing to do to fit in and feel good about doing questionable things. The alcohol commercials are proving that. Take my word for it, their goal is to get you hooked. To start you drinking. The younger the better. For woman, your inhibitions will disappear because of drinking. In the past you thought about what your parents would think or what the consequences would be of your behavior. When woman drink they lose their dignity or that "Healthy caution" and will do things they wouldn’t normally do. They become prey for the perverts. Did you ever wake up in the morning and not remember what you did the night before? Wonder where the black and blue marks came from or where the car was? No, well wait! You will! This will go on until someone suggests to you to try Marijuana. I don't care what they say! Marijuana is a stepping stone drug and if you use it, it will, more than likely lead to the use of other addictive drugs like prescription drugs, crack cocaine or heroin. Its only be a matter of time. It will be easier than drinking and it will make you feel high faster.. With woman its all about emotions, feelings and feeling good, so off you go. With most guys its about being shy and lacking self-confidence. Alcohol and drugs will allow that "false courage" and you will do things that you see on TV or in the movies. You will take those chances that you normally wouldn't. That usually leads to pain or death.. For some, addiction is a slow process. If you just drink it could take years but when you add drugs to the mix it won’t take as long. Alcohol will bankrupt you physically, mentally and spiritually. Some are lucky enough to hit bottom before they do too much damage. For others it will take longer and the longer it takes the odds are that person will find jail or death"….

 From time to time Jason, Tina and a few others will be commenting about their disease and where it took them. I am looking forward to sharing some of their experiences with you..